A controversial VAR decision marred the closing match of 2024 for RKC Waalwijk and PEC Zwolle, resulting in both teams sharing the points after a 1-1 draw.
On December 20, 2024, the match unfolded at the Mandemakers Stadion, with RKC initially taking control early on. Oskar Zawada scored the first goal just 10 minutes after kickoff, heading home from Mohammed Ihattaren's corner kick. Despite the setback, PEC Zwolle managed to equalize shortly before halftime. Dutch striker Dylan Vente converted a penalty awarded after Filip Krastev was fouled inside the area.
The match then plodded on, with both teams scrambling for the lead. PEC Zwolle's hopes for victory seemed bright as they pushed forward, but the drama peaked near the final whistle when Nick Fichtinger scored what appeared to be the winning goal. His effort was met with disbelief when the VAR intervened to disallow it, claiming offside during the corner kick setup.
A heated debate ensued among players and coaches alike. PEC Zwolle coach Johnny Jansen expressed his outrage, stating, "I find it really outrageous. I would say, I'd prefer to drive there right now," referring to the disallowed goal. A visibly angered Zawada added, "Where is the VAR then? I mean, this is clearly hands; what can I say more?"
The aftermath of this ruling centered around the rule interpretation. According to the KNVB regulations, it was determined the goal should not have been ruled out, noting, "Even if a player is positioned offside, they will not be penalized if they receive the ball from a throw-in, corner, or goal kick." This infuriated Zwolle fans and players alike, leading to calls for accountability within the officiation.
The frustration of the players didn't go unnoticed, with RKC’s coach Henk Fraser decrying the officiation as "dramatic," indicating he too had issues with the VAR handling and the general performance of the referees throughout the match.
Despite the bitter taste left by the VAR decision, both clubs faced challenges moving forward. RKC found themselves at the lower end of the standings with only seven points, sitting just above the league's bottom club. Meanwhile, PEC Zwolle was moderately safer at thirteenth place with seventeen points still showing signs of hope for the new year.
Looking forward, PEC Zwolle's next match against N.E.C. Nijmegen on January 11, 2025, presents new opportunities to right past wrongs. For now, the focus will be squarely on responding to the uncertainty stirred up by VAR interventions and how it impacts the integrity of the game.
